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COMMUNITY NEWS | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2015 | 3 By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK This is February. It is the month of President's Day where we honor our founding fathers and remember the standards and philosophies upon which our great country are based. It is the time of year when residents interested in being on the Board of Directors of Sun Lakes make their intentions known by completing the paper work and declaring their candidacy. It is also the month of remembering your loved ones on Valentine's Day. Recently I received an email from a resident who, in the name of love, wanted to share her story with all of her friends. In reading her story I felt her true concern and caring for all of us. As a result, I decided to make her message the basis of my Valentine message to all of Sun Lakes. Her wanting to share this warning and success story with all of us is what Sun Lakes is all about. "One for all and all for one." It was so simple – you could have missed it! In March, 2014 I watched a short story on the television. At the end it had a clear statement to the viewers which said: if you're a baby boomer and past smoker, you are not out of the woods! Lung cancer from past smokers is showing up in large numbers. "If you have not had a chest X-ray, then you best listen up and get one now." The message was so strong I thought well, I haven't smoked for 20 years, but I was a two-pack-a-day smoker. However, I don't even get a cold. I'm healthy, never sick, and thought well I never had a chest x-ray because I have had no reason. Well, maybe I'll get it checked. Key word: "Maybe." Two hours later my younger brother called me. He told me about a program he saw on television and since I was a heavy smoker in my time he was worried about me. He asked me how long I smoked and I answered 36 years. He never smoked but knew the history of smokers. He then said, "I don't know what it will take sister to get you to go for a chest x-ray but I want you to know that I love you so very much and don't want to lose you." He then went on to say whatever it will take even if he has to pay for it. He sounded so desperate it made me sad. I emailed my doctor who set me up for the x-ray. I was sure they would find nothing. I didn't even have a cough. I breathe well and feel good, but I promised my brother I would go. On Tuesday I went for the x-ray and on Wednesday I got the results. I had two spots on my right lung. I prayed and I prayed often. The spots were side by side in one location. I was healthy and could handle a surgery. A biopsy was scheduled. They went in through my chest, and no cancer was found. The doctors kept an eye on it to see if it would grow. My pulmonologist wasn't satisfied and said we are going to do it differently and went through my back to take more tissue samples. The cancer was there, and they found it. My Lord was watching over me. On December 11th I went in for the surgery. They got it all, and I am so very blessed. The word got out with all my family and friends and the first thing everyone wanted to know was, "What tipped you off that something was wrong?" My answer, "My brother who saw this program." So to you my Sun Lakes friends if you're a past smoker and haven't had a recent chest X-ray, I beg you to pay attention and get one because I care and love you very much! After all, we live in paradise! ~ Joni Taylor Joni's story is not unusual. It happens all too often. Another friend of mine had a smoking related condition that went totally undetected by his doctor. It was not in his lungs. Not until the doctor was shown a lump was the cancer discovered and treated. We need to be constantly aware, and on guard, when it comes to our bodies. Do not be afraid to question your doctor or seek a second opinion. In this way we will all be here next year wishing each other a happy Valentine's Day.

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